Uganda Cranes training. FUFA photo
Uganda Cranes coach Abdallah Mubiru says that the injured players have a ‘slim’ chance to play against Malawi.
Mubiru was speaking after Saturday’s training at Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, the last session in the country before the team flies out on Sunday.
Ahead of Monday’s do-or-die game in Blantyre, Mubiru faces team selection headache due to missing players.
Fahad Bayo sat out of the training on Saturday while Abdul Lumala and Patrick Kaddu trained separately.
Timothy Awany who missed Wednesday’s goalless draw with Burkina Faso, is injured and already left camp.
Elvis Bwomono has reportedly returned to England for his club duty at Southend United.
However, Murushid Juuko and Allan Kyambadde who held individual sessions on Friday, trained with the team on Saturday.
“I am very pleased with performance, commitment and determination showed by the players in today’s training, it gives hope that God willing, we are determined to get the result we need in Malawi,” said coach Mubiru.
“There is a slim chance for the injured players, however, we are still waiting for the final results from the Doctors. But nevertheless, we have replacements in the team, who are prepared to play a part also.”
Nicholas Wadada continued to play with his bandaged thigh as doubts over his fitness continue to raise.
Opponents Malawi managed to beat South Sudan on Wednesday in Khartoum to revive their qualification chances.
“We studied their win over South Sudan, we have the analysis and we want to capitalise on their mistakes to get a needed result,” added Mubiru.
With eight points, Uganda sit in second above third placed Malawi who have seven. Burkina Faso already qualified while South Sudan were eliminated going into the last group games.
A draw will be enough for the Uganda Cranes to return to AFCON for the third straight time.
Mubiru says that he will not go for a cautious approach but transition will be key.
He explained: “There are three stages of the game; attack, out of possession and transition. We have to be spot on in all the three stages. We can’t think of just sit back thinking that we can absorb all the pressure, we have to attack and defend (in equal measures
“I am very sure that they will attack because they need a goal to win and qualify, and probably it will be that moment of transition that will probably be the key factor. The way we manage ourselves when we lose possession will determine a lot.”
Coach Mubiru is expected to ring few changes from the team that were held to a goalless draw at Kitende.
